Bridgnorth blood donor may have saved 300 lives.

A cricket club stalwart who first gave blood back in 1961 has marked more than 50 years of dedication by donating his 100th pint.

Is it estimated Councillor Des Plain, from Worfield, near Bridgnorth, could have saved the lives of 300 people with the blood he has given over the years.

He reached his 100th pint when he made his latest donation at Bridgnorth Leisure Centre on January 21.

Councillor Plain is chairman of Worfield Parish Council and a former president and current member of the village cricket club’s committee and has been involved with its running since 1958.

The 69-year-old, who used to work at Star Aluminium in Bridgnorth, said: “I first gave blood when I was 18 because my two brothers did and I just followed in their footsteps.

“In those days you could only donate twice-a-year but they changed it and now it is every 16 weeks.

“I have given blood regularly over the years, only missing sessions because of 12-hour shifts at work which left me unable to go along.”

Chris Gorman, spokesman for the NHS Blood and Transplant service, said: “Only around four per cent of the eligible population are blood donors and of that four per cent only one per cent ever reach 100 donations.

“As a result, Mr Plain has reached an incredible milestone and we are immensely grateful to him.

“Also, as each blood donation can help save the lives of up to three people, Mr Plain has potentially saved 300 people over the years.

“I would urge people to follow his example by booking an appointment at a local session. This can be done either by calling 0300 123 23 23 or visiting our website at www.blood.co.uk

“We welcome new donors aged between 17 and 65 and there is no upper age limit for existing donors. You can carry on giving blood indefinitely providing you are well enough to do so.”

In 1996 the National Blood Service was formed to collect and provide blood supplies for all the hospitals in England and North Wales.